The other link to this "purchase" is
www.rochester.flyer.co.uk.
The lease that has been negotiated is for a maximum of 5 yrs to allow a proper business plan to be put together for submission to the Local Council. This will form the basis for negotiating a longer term lease.
My view is the Airport has a future - certainly longer than 5 years - but then I would say that because I am based there and have a vested interest.
I share SteveR's view about a shake up being required and with any luck an influx of new blood (new shareholders) will be the catalyst
As for the land being worth a fortune... that is exactly what the council thought 5 years ago - but they have been firmly put in their place by the Goverment Planning Inspectors ruling thatt there shall be NO housing developemnt allowed on this site
So there is everything to look forward to - who knows perhaps a shareholders discount landing scheme or free hangarage.....